Coimbatore: Tension gripped the Koundampalayam area of Coimbatore today after 43 students of a government middle school were rushed to the Coimbatore Government
Hospital following suspected food poisoning linked to their noon meal. The incident has sparked outrage among parents and drawn sharp criticism from political leaders.
Students vomit and faint after Meal
Lunch was served as usual at the Koundampalayam Government Middle School this afternoon. Students studying in class four were eating their food when suddenly, after consuming the meal, about 43 students began vomiting and fainted. The school administration immediately rescued the affected students and sent them to the Coimbatore Government Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Parents who rushed to the school after learning about the incident attempted to go inside to check on their children’s condition. However, when the school administration refused to allow them entry, enraged parents got into an argument with the teachers. As the situation escalated, a large number of policemen were deployed to the spot under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Saravanan to control the crowd.
#WATCH | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: 43 students of a government school in Coimbatore were rushed to the Government Hospital following a suspected case of food poisoning linked to their Noon meal. pic.twitter.com/JIgn0alDzA
— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2026
Coimbatore school incident: Official statement
Speaking to reporters, Corporation Commissioner Sivaguru Prabhakaran confirmed that 30 boys and 13 girls, totaling 43 students, have been affected. He stated that the students will be under medical observation until 9 PM and that all of them are currently stable. Five doctors are providing treatment to the affected children.
Regarding allegations that a lizard fell into the food, the Commissioner announced that a committee has been formed to investigate the matter. “This incident should not have happened. Whether the staff was negligent can only be said after the investigation. 44 students had eaten. An inspection will be conducted at the school cafeteria. A circular will be sent to all schools in this regard. I will inform you about what happened after the investigation is completed,” he said.
